Are Supergirl and Batwoman Supporting Roles or Heroes in Their Own Right?

When assessing the status of superheroes, one key factor to consider is their ability to sustain a leading role for an extended period. My rule of thumb is that a character who can maintain a lead feature for five years can be considered an A-lister. Let's examine Supergirl and Batwoman through this lens and explore whether they are capable of supporting roles or are leading, independent heroes in their own right.

Supergirl as an A-Lister

Both the Kara Zor-El and Linda Danvers versions of Supergirl (found in Supergirl Vol. 5 and Supergirl Vol. 4) have successfully held the lead for notable stretches. With such significant features, they have established themselves as A-list heroes and establish a strong fan base. This means a well-crafted Supergirl comic, TV show, or movie is expected to be a commercial success.

Batwoman's Struggle

In contrast, Batwoman has not sustained a lead role for five consecutive years. Despite major promotional efforts from DC Comics and significant creative input, Batwoman remains cooler in smaller doses. This indicates that while Batwoman can still hold her own in supporting roles, she has not yet achieved the same level of stability and popularity as her male counterparts.

Independence and Commercial Success

One measure of a hero's independence is their own comic book titles. Both Supergirl and Batwoman have had their own titles, marking them as independent characters. Supergirl has even had a movie and a TV series, further cementing her status as a leading hero. However, the original spin-off origins from Superman and Batman have created a significant challenge. Both heroes have not achieved the same level of commercial and artistic success as their male counterparts.

Superheroines in Their Own Right

While Supergirl and Batwoman both qualify as superheroines in their own right, Batwoman is more dependent on Batman than Supergirl is on Superman. Supergirl's Kryptonian origins give her a more independent nature, as evidenced by her standalone TV show where Superman is portrayed as a supporting role. This independence allows Supergirl to take on more substantial storylines and character development without relying heavily on her male counterpart.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Supergirl and Batwoman both have the potential to stand on their own as heroes, but the former has a more secure footing due to her A-lister status and standalone achievements. While Batwoman remains a cool supporting character, her and Supergirl's journey shows that female superheroes can and should be celebrated as leading figures in their own narratives.